Tips for overcoming airport stress

We’ve all been there, trying to squeeze your belongings into your allocated one piece of luggage, the worry that you won’t make it to the airport on time or that nagging feeling you’ve forgotten something important. There’s a special panic that only airport stress can induce.

But there are a number of ways in which we can protect ourselves against stress - here are the Flexicover team's top tips for ensuring the airport run is just as relaxing as the rest of the holiday.

Plan your journey in advance

Because knowledge is power, research your journey to know how long it will realistically take to get to the airport, and to prepare a fall-back position if things go wrong. If driving, check the journey on Google Maps at the same time the day before: it will give a better indication of realistic timings with typical traffic. It’s also good to download the local taxi app and check to see if you can afford a taxi if all else fails, but remember in some cities, like London, a taxi isn’t always the quickest way so research public transport options too.

Get Zen

Well we don’t mean suddenly adopt the lotus position in the middle of the security line, more so just try to have a relaxed state of mind. So if your flight’s been delayed or if the world’s most disorganised people are ahead of you in the queue, it’s time to detach from your emotions. Taking a few deep breaths, popping in your headphones or absorbing yourself in a book are the easiest ways to disengage, but using the time to make phone calls or answer emails can distract too. Choose mind over matter, and accept it as just another thing to go through before you reach your destination.

Factor in a meal at the airport

For those who are always late, a seamless way to get you to the airport on time is to plan a meal there. Airport food has come a long way since the days of £6 egg sandwiches from the airport canteen. Thanks to the presence of chains such as Bill’s, Wagamamas and Pret means there are tasty food options, making meals a more inviting option. If anything unexpected happens en route, the most likely scenario is that you’ll have to eat on the plane. We’d take that over missing our flight any day.

Take out good travel insurance

We may be biased, but we believe travel insurance buys peace of mind. Many policies, Flexicover's included, offer insurance against missed departure. Check your policy wording to see exactly what the terms are, but if you leave plenty of time and public transport still fails you unexpectedly, a policy with missed departure should cover getting you to your destination. For those that prefer to drive themselves, it should cover breaking down en route (your car must be in good nick) or if an accident or breakdown happening ahead of you stops you from getting to the airport on time.

Pick the smaller airports

If it’s a choice between Heathrow or Bristol, we’d pick Bristol every time. Smaller airports generally have an easier layout, less people and fewer mental and physical barriers between you and the gate. More often than not, they’re closer to their host city than bigger airports, meaning it’s less hassle to get to and smoother when you’re there. Smaller airports are also where you’re more likely to find the odd bargain, so it could be pleasing on your pocket too.

So wherever you plan on travelling to, it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of cover to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.